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Radiology (Imaging) Services

The Mission Hospital Department of Radiology (Imaging) exists to provide our patients and area physicians with the highest quality diagnostic and interventional radiology services in Western North Carolina.  Our team combines technical skill and advanced technology with compassion, courtesy and professionalism so that you and your loved ones are provided an excellent experience each and every visit.

What Do We Do?

Mission Radiology offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient imaging services at a host of hospital-based and non-hospital-based locations across the area.  Our modalities or services include: 

Diagnostic (X-Ray) Imaging

An x-ray uses radiation to take pictures of bones and organs inside the body.  A small amount of radiation is directed at a particular area of the body and the image is captured either on a special image recording plate or digitally.  Mission’s X-Rays are fixed as well as portable to allow images to be taken on the inpatient floors, often eliminating unnecessary movement of patients.

Fluoroscopy (X-Ray)

Fluoroscopy (Fluoro) is a way to obtain real-time moving images using a special x-ray camera called a fluoroscope.  The fluoroscope is coupled to a special monitor to allow physicians and clinicians to see real time images when desired.  Fluoroscopy is used often during swallow studies, in the OR during the placement of implants or during vascular and neuro-interventional procedures when solution is injected to detect blockages in vessels and veins real-time.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is an imaging test that utilizes powerful magnets, radio waves, and computer technology to create high quality cross-sectional images of the inside of the body. It does not use radiation (x-rays).  Single MRI images are called “slices”. The images can be stored on a computer or printed on film. One exam produces hundreds of images (or slices).

Ultrasound and High Risk Obstetrical Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to image organs, muscles, vessels, pediatric bones, and bowel. The sound waves are emitted from our wand in to the body; these waves bounce off of the different body parts and are received back in to the wand. Through this process images are formed on the computer screen.

Mission has a dedicated team of specialty-trained High Risk Obstetrical Ultrasound Technologists that work with Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians and the radiologists to perform imaging procedures during complicated pregnancies.

Computerized Axial Tomography (CT or CAT Scan)

CAT or CT Scans use X-Ray beams to take a look at cross-sections of the body.  During a CT scan, the X-Rays and detectors rotate around your body as a table or “gurney” slides through the tubular machine.  Advanced computer programs compile this data and process it so that the portion of your body that was scanned is rendered in “slices”. 

One of the most common analogies for a CT image is “looking at a loaf of bread one slice at a time”.  CT scans may be of the body or the head and performed with or without contrast depending on the requirements of the study.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine is a unique imaging modality that uses cameras to detect radiation coming from within the body.  To accomplish this, patients receive “radiopharmaceuticals”, a combination of a particular isotope and a drug that is attracted to a specific part of the body where disease or an abnormality may be present.  These radiopharmaceuticals are blended uniquely for each procedure that is ordered and are given through injection, ingestion or inhalation.

A series of pictures are then taken by special gamma cameras that detect the radiation coming from the radiopharmaceutical inside the body.  Advanced computer technologies process these images and display them in a way that the radiologists can interpret. 

Positron Emission Tomography and Computerized Tomography (PET/CT)

PET/CT technology represents one of the most advanced imaging techniques in the medical field.  It is, quite simply, the combination of a Nuclear Medicine PET Scanner and a CT or CAT Scanner.  PET/CT is used primarily to locate and diagnose tumors in the body and aid in treatment planning.

The PET Scanner is very sensitive and can detect biological disorders at the molecular level.  The CT Scanner picks up images and can detect changes in the body’s physical anatomy.  The CT portion of the scan also helps the radiologists reference where the tumor is relative to major organs and bone structures.

When these two imaging techniques are combined, crystal clear images of both molecular and physical aspects of the body are produced and changes to tissues, organs and bones are more easily detected than when performed separately. 

Interventional Radiology (IR)

Interventional Radiology is one of the newer branches in the field of imaging sciences that combines real-time imaging and advanced procedural techniques.  IR physicians, nurses and technologists team up to diagnose and treat diseases non-operatively, by guiding small catheters to target areas with the use of fluoroscopy. 

These “endovascular diagnostic procedures” include arteriograms, venograms, and the placement of IV lines and dialysis catheters.

IR also offers interventional procedures that include:  balloon angioplasty, vascular stenting, chemo embolizations, and vena cava filter placement.

The IR team also performs interventional non-vascular procedures, such as gastrostomy tube, nephrostomy, and biliary catheter placements.

Locations

The Radiology Team is woven into every part of the hospital and throughout Mission’s ambulatory care network.  Below is where you will find us performing radiologic procedures, capturing and interpreting images so that your doctor or surgeon can make the best clinical decisions for your care:

Mission’s Main Campus including:

  • Main Radiology Department (2nd Floor of Mission’s Main Campus)
  • Emergency Department
  • The Inpatient Floors of Mission Hospital
  • The Surgical Suite and Operating Rooms at Mission Hospital
  • The Heart Tower Cardiovascular Center at Mission Hospital

As well as these other locations:

  • Mission-St. Joseph’s Campus
  • Mission Children’s Hospital
  • The SECU Cancer Center at Mission Hospital
  • Victoria Urology Associates
  • Mission MyCare Plus Sites and Outpatient Care Centers throughout our region